‘Uzoho’s injury will not affect Eagles’ chances in South Africa’

The Media E a g l e s , Officer of the Super Toyin Ibitoye on Wednesday said the first choice goalkeeper Francis Uzoho’s injury would not affect the team’s chances when they square up with Bafana Bafana of South Africa.

The 2018 Eagle’s World Cup goalkeeper, Uzoho, will not be in action when the team plays the crunch AFCON qualifier against South Africa on Saturday, Nov. 17.

The 20-year-old youngster, Uzoho, cupped a rib injury playing for his Spanish second division club side Elche 1-5 loss against Cadiz on Sunday and will be out for four weeks.

In place of Uzoho, the Super Eagle’s gaffer, Gernot Rohr called on dependable Enyimba FC’s shot stopper, Theophilus Afelokhai, as replacement.

However, the Super Eagles faces a race to record a win in South Africa to avenge for the defeat it suffered in the first match of the AFCON qualifiers.

It will be recalled that the Rohrtutored team suffered a shocking 0-2 loss to the Stuart Baxter’s side at the Nest of Champions Uyo on June 10, 2017.

Not minding the first game loss, Nigeria now top Group E of the AFCON qualifiers with nine points from four matches, a point ahead of second-placed South Africa.

A win for the three-time African champions in the match will seal a qualification ticket to next year’s tournament in Cameroon, after missing the two previous editions.

Ibitoye said that Uzoho’s injury presented an opportunity for other goalkeepers to impress, adding that there was no preference among them because they are all good hands. (NAN)